Adventures in Abstraction in Pastel

This is an exercise driven workshop covering the essential elements of effective design, and the different types of abstraction in the full range from representational to non-objective art. Abstract painting in pastel is a completely different experience than with other media. This class will challenge you to understand and progress in making good abstract art, setting you free to enjoy the process. Two, three, or four day in-person options are available.  Longer versions of the workshop especially build into a powerful experience. This class has has often been referred to as “life-changing,”

Advanced Composition in Pastel

Want to understand composition better and be much more confident about it? Want to take your pastel paintings to the next level?  This class takes a deep dive into design principles, the elements of visual language, diverse mark making, and utilizing contrast and heighten interest in your paintings. Two or three day in-person options available.

Abstracting the Landscape in Plein Air (either in pastel or mixed media)

Loosen up your plein air painting and learn to see the landscape more abstractly. One to five day in-person options available.

Painted Paper Collage

This is a fun and immersive class. In this hands-on, technique driven workshop, you will vicariously learn the fundaments of  composition. You’ll make a wide range of collage papers, using various methods, in both mixed-media and printmaking. No previous experience necessary. Two, three, or four day options are available. A further option is to do these classes in black and white. This in-person class is amazing taught on consecutive days, but could be separated out into separate workshops.

Non-traditional Techniques and Surfaces in Pastel

Bring your spirit of curiosity and play to this unusual class, which will revitalize your art practice. You will discover new and exciting ways to express yourself in your pastel art. You will not find this unique techniques-driven class anywhere else. And because what is being taught is about technique, it can be applied to any preferred subject matter. You will explore these techniques: wet in wet, stenciling, scraping, masking, shaving, printing, and atypical textures. You will also use a variety of unusual surfaces, both purchased and handmade. This will be an active, fast moving class of many exercises, layered with discussion between. Three day in-person workshop.

Adventures in Printmaking without a Press

This is a beginning and delightful class on the Gelli plate, Linocut, and stamping, teaching printing techniques, monotype approaches, and collage techniques with both printed opaque and transparent papers. One, two, and three day in-person options available.

Painting Meditations

Painting through guided meditations, you’ll learn to trust the unfolding process and have effective conversations both within your head and with the painting in front of you. In order to paint with your own authentic voice, refining these conversations is essential. These mediations can be done in any media in a full day workshop (with whole group using the same media), or added as a short exercise to any other workshop.

Creative Sketchbook Approaches

Hire me to lead a months-long zoom class for your group, with creative prompts and exercises to do on your own time to expand your sketchbook practice. Weekly or monthly zoom meeting options are available; the duration is flexible.

“Polly was awesome! I’d love to take another one of her classes. This workshop went above and beyond my expectations. It was a great combination of lecture, production, and discussion.”

–Rossella Pulit

“This workshop will stay with me forever.  I have a new understanding. I wish it was longer.” 

–Laura Kinlock

“I was relieved to be in an abstract art class that was full of content, meaning, and focused learning. I’ve been disappointed many times before in abstract art classes, and this was by far my best experience in one. When’s your next workshop? I will travel!”

-Georgette

“The exercises were great; the clear, simplified, explanatory approach helped me. Each exercise built on the prior ones, and all contributed to my understanding. I really appreciated the structure. It made doing what was so new so much more comfortable.”

– Sharon Gorman

“I expanded my repertoire of techniques and ideas, and I made progress toward not being bullied by a photo reference. This workshop would benefit any ‘tight’ painter if they would be open to it.”

-K. Etheridge